I was a bit disappointed by the concept of MIMs. While yes, it gave people on a budget the ability to own a Fender, IMO it also cheapened the brand name. The MIMs I've played are nowhere near the quality of MIAs, so I think it's a bit of a shame that MIMs exist at all.
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what did you think when fender started making instruments in mexico
- Thread starter tbird99
- Start date
Also would you guys be disappointed if gibson started making Mexican guitars also one thing is that what if they were made in Canada I know this is really racist but I think I wouldn't mind as much as Mexican made Gibson's haha
Hopkins
Commercial User
I had a MIM Deluxe Jazz. That bass was pretty stellar, the only reason I sold it is because I got it for a steal and bought it to flip for some quick cash.
Please explain to me how they feel cheap. As far as I know an American Standard has a maple neck and a body with a poly finish, just like a MIM. So after a set up I don't understand exactly how they would feel any different.
And how exactly are they "essentially Squiers "custom shop""? Custom shop instruments are built to the purchasers specification, the CVs are built on a line just like the MIMs
Please explain to me how they feel cheap. As far as I know an American Standard has a maple neck and a body with a poly finish, just like a MIM. So after a set up I don't understand exactly how they would feel any different.
And how exactly are they "essentially Squiers "custom shop""? Custom shop instruments are built to the purchasers specification, the CVs are built on a line just like the MIMs
Hahaha oh so trueGreetings from the North,
I thought well now.....you got a choice. You can have your Fender made in Mexico by Mexicans or you can have it made in California by MexicansIt's all good.
Rezdog
In general (and a big general at that), I think that there is an assumption that a country with a higher standard of living has "more qualified" workers and therefore instruments made in the USA, Canada, Japan and western Europe, for example, are generally considered higher quality. That is not necessarily the case.
I don't think there would be as much concern if Fender had decided to build in a country like England or France, as opposed to Mexico.
When i toured the mfg plant in Feb, i saw a pallet of unfinished necks - they were complete except for the nitro/lacquer finish. i asked why they were loaded on the pallet and the guy said "Oh, those are headed for Ensenada".
So, the Mexico plant is still getting at least some necks made in the Corona plant.
I thought, as the employees learn their jobs and if Fender has real players in QC positions and they communicate with the people on the line, they will turn out better and better instruments as time moves on. Same as if production had moved to Maine, Russia, or Ethiopia.
My .02 cents:
Fender MIM is not a cheap bass, unless you think $529-$579 for a basic P Bass is a deal. MIM is Fender's middle price point. You want a cheap (priced) Fender, you go Squier.
Any adequately equipped factory can produce high-quality, medium-quality, or low-quality guitars and basses. It all comes down to the materials used, the experience level of the builders, and the quality standard in place.
The Mexico factory has had its share of ups and downs over the decades, but I can say without reservation that the last few years for the MIM Standard series (Precisions and Jazzes) have been particularly good. I own three, two Ps, one J. Though I can afford the USA Standard and above, I can not justify spending the extra money. The MIMs over the last few years are really that good.
Fender MIM is not a cheap bass, unless you think $529-$579 for a basic P Bass is a deal. MIM is Fender's middle price point. You want a cheap (priced) Fender, you go Squier.
Any adequately equipped factory can produce high-quality, medium-quality, or low-quality guitars and basses. It all comes down to the materials used, the experience level of the builders, and the quality standard in place.
The Mexico factory has had its share of ups and downs over the decades, but I can say without reservation that the last few years for the MIM Standard series (Precisions and Jazzes) have been particularly good. I own three, two Ps, one J. Though I can afford the USA Standard and above, I can not justify spending the extra money. The MIMs over the last few years are really that good.
The recent MIMs are good enough to the point where the MIAs are no longer the better deal. I mean you could spend the $1200+ on an MIA, but dont expect it to be twice as good as an MIM.
It's quite apparent, at least to me, there is still some prejudice involved as far as American vs. foreign made instruments.
I currently live in Mexico, and I've seen and tried MIM basses that play the same as Fenders made in the US, and even have better hardware. The quality in materials is pretty much the same, and if it weren't for the decal stating where the instrument was built, you could think it's either a MIM or a MIUS and wouldn't actually care. Just in case you're wondering, I call them MIUS, because America is a vast continent with many countries, but that's not our discussion here.
My view was that MIJ far surpassed MIM if ever having to choose between a non-MIA. I have owned all 3 different country made instruments and in my experience my '01 MIJ P-bass is still the best of the bunch. the quality & tone of my '03 MIM P-bass is so/so at best and I have had major neck issues with my '97 MIA jazz. Everyone's experience is different and so many factors contribute to well made or poorly made instruments from Fender. I've heard so many compliments as well as disappointment towards MIJ, MIM & MIA.
I surely thought:
"wow: now I can finally afford me a Fender!"... or nearly something very much like that
Cheers,
Wallace
"wow: now I can finally afford me a Fender!"... or nearly something very much like that
Cheers,
Wallace
Back in 90 or so, I didn't even know until I started looking for a back up. Bought a Jazz. It krackled and popped all of the time. And 10 degree temp changes would give the neck fits. I ditched it and never looked back until recently.
In the last year, I have owned four of them. I traded a Roadworn Jazz away, and still have the other three. Remarkable instruments in 2012. Fit and finish is excellent. Dead silent electronics. Set the neck and leave it.
Fender really seems to have put their heart and soul in to quality control in 2012.
I make buying decisions my ears versus my eyes. It's easier on check book much of the time.
In the last year, I have owned four of them. I traded a Roadworn Jazz away, and still have the other three. Remarkable instruments in 2012. Fit and finish is excellent. Dead silent electronics. Set the neck and leave it.
Fender really seems to have put their heart and soul in to quality control in 2012.
I make buying decisions my ears versus my eyes. It's easier on check book much of the time.
A shop I frequently look into, emerged an Antigua Precision... I'm fond of Eric Clapton, and it reminds me of a very expensive signature Stratocaster of his own, with that kinda finishings. I'm just a poor amateur bassplayer, but now we can afford some of those beauties too
Oh my G.A.S.
Cheers,
Wallace
Oh my G.A.S.
Cheers,
Wallace
Doesn't bother me, I have a MIM P and MIM J, use to have a Mark Hoppus, that's MIM I believe, no problems with the necks here.
Though I've not played any MIA to compare to the MIM, I use to have a few Squiers, no problems there either.
Though I've not played any MIA to compare to the MIM, I use to have a few Squiers, no problems there either.
They had already been making them when I was buying a bass, but I was just happy to have an option. I bought a 2000 made Deluxe Active Jazz and I still have it today. They use some lower quality parts, like pickups and multi-laminate wood bodies etc but they build is very solid none the less. Also because I bought an active bass, the circuitry was the same as a MIA bass, just wired in Mex.
I thought "hey maybe now they will make some quality basses that don't feel clunky".
Boy was I wrong.
Boy was I wrong.
[QUOTE
Any adequately equipped factory can produce high-quality, medium-quality, or low-quality guitars and basses. It all comes down to the materials used, the experience level of the builders, and the quality standard in place..[/QUOTE]
I have owned three MIM Strats (as well as three or four American). Overall build quality was right there. The gap for me was quality of electronics and hardware. My main strat started as a MIM strat 20 years ago but now has an AllParts neck and EMG pickups. Looks, plays, and sounds great, and it may be the one guitar I will have till I die. The others are all gone. What I didn't say is that I probably played 15 MIM Strats before I bought the one. They all felt played, and sounded different. This one had a body and neck that really resonated, and while I changed the neck to a chunkier profile I made sure I kept the resonance (and frankly got lucky).
I recently picked up a Squier Matt Freeman P (made in China) and while I some day may change the pickup that bass is just outstanding. Quality, fit, and finish are excellent. Of course, it is black and basswood, so I am sure corners were cut in the quality of the wood, but the outcome is great.
So, I am a firm believer in the quote above, and always play instruments unplugged before I buy to make sure they talk to me. If they do that they will SING through your rig.
Any adequately equipped factory can produce high-quality, medium-quality, or low-quality guitars and basses. It all comes down to the materials used, the experience level of the builders, and the quality standard in place..[/QUOTE]
I have owned three MIM Strats (as well as three or four American). Overall build quality was right there. The gap for me was quality of electronics and hardware. My main strat started as a MIM strat 20 years ago but now has an AllParts neck and EMG pickups. Looks, plays, and sounds great, and it may be the one guitar I will have till I die. The others are all gone. What I didn't say is that I probably played 15 MIM Strats before I bought the one. They all felt played, and sounded different. This one had a body and neck that really resonated, and while I changed the neck to a chunkier profile I made sure I kept the resonance (and frankly got lucky).
I recently picked up a Squier Matt Freeman P (made in China) and while I some day may change the pickup that bass is just outstanding. Quality, fit, and finish are excellent. Of course, it is black and basswood, so I am sure corners were cut in the quality of the wood, but the outcome is great.
So, I am a firm believer in the quote above, and always play instruments unplugged before I buy to make sure they talk to me. If they do that they will SING through your rig.
